Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton have been warned to keep their hands off each other before Sunday Night’s Main Event, because one more fight could cost both men any future shot at the WWE Championship.
During the August 21 episode of Friday Night SmackDown in Toronto, Rhodes called Orton to the ring as tensions continued to rise ahead of their upcoming match in Atlanta. Orton came out and reminded Rhodes that they already had a time and place to settle things, promising to beat him in front of his family.
“We have a time and a place to fight in Atlanta. I’m going to whip your ass in front of your family in Atlanta.”
Rhodes wasn’t interested in waiting and wanted to fight Orton right there. Orton was willing to go along with it, forcing SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis to step in before things got out of control.
That’s when Aldis dropped a huge stipulation on both men. He made it clear that if either Rhodes or Orton physically touches the other before their Sunday Night’s Main Event match, both men will lose the opportunity to challenge for the WWE Championship in the future.
“If either of you touches the other before Sunday Night’s Main Event, neither of you will ever get a shot at the WWE Championship again.”
Orton immediately gave his word that he would follow the rule and jokingly painted himself as the responsible one.
“You have my word. I’m Mr. Professional.”
That didn’t stop Orton from getting inside Rhodes’ head. He brought up Cody nearly smashing him with a chair the previous week and argued that Rhodes wouldn’t have been able to live with himself if he actually went through with it. Orton compared that to his own actions before WrestleMania, saying he had no remorse after using a chair on Rhodes. Orton told Rhodes that he knows how to become the worst version of himself when necessary, while Cody will always be WWE’s golden boy.
“You’re a good guy. You always will be the golden boy. The American Daydream.”
Orton then questioned who could actually end his legend and made it clear he doesn’t believe Rhodes is that person. Rhodes fired back by reminding Orton how personal their issues have already become. He said Orton kicked him so hard following his WrestleMania loss that he still needs makeup to cover the damage, before promising to finally put Orton’s legend down. Rhodes finished things with a warning of his own.
“Even if I get the title, you’re still going to be coming back to me, and I will kill your legend.”
“That’s not a prediction. That’s a spoiler.”
Now WWE has added another layer to Rhodes vs. Orton before they even reach Atlanta. Neither man can afford to lose control on SmackDown or anywhere else before Sunday Night’s Main Event, because one physical confrontation could wipe out both of their future WWE Championship opportunities.
Do you think Cody Rhodes or Randy Orton will break Nick Aldis’ rule before Sunday Night’s Main Event, or will they manage to keep their hands off each other until the match? Let us know what you think and leave your feedback in the comments.
